Why the transfer ban could be revolutionary for Real and Atlético Madrid

Spanish giants Real and Atlético Madrid have been hit with a transfer ban this week that looks set to have widespread ramifications for the European market over the next couple of windows.

Similar to the disciplinary measure handed down to Barcelona, both capital city sides have indicated their intention to appeal FIFA’s sanctions – but the likelihood is that both teams will have to serve their punishment.

It will be panic stations at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu and Vicente Calderón, with well-hatched recruitment plans, scouting reports and long-term thinking adversely impacted by the ruling.

However, taking a step back and looking at it objectively, the transfer ban could well work in both Madrid clubs’ favour and see them actually improve as a result.

Without going into too much detail of the countless speculated names linked with moves to the ten-time European champions, the ban will prevent Madrid from splurging this summer on their next spate of big-name players.

However, despite the perceived injustice and hardship, looking at the current Los Blancos squad is like reading a who’s who of international football.

It can be argued that Madrid lack a specialist replacement left-back for first-choice Marcelo, but beyond that the capital city side have world beaters in every position and superb back-up options chomping at the bit to play.

As such, new head coach Zinedine Zidane’s chances are surely not going to be adversely impacted too much by a lack of new faces – the ones already at his disposal are more than capable of wiping the table with European football if the retired playmaker can find the right balance and formula.

The ban will also mean that players on the fringes, such as Isco, James Rodríguez and Jesé will surely not be allowed to leave as no replacements can be purchased.

This trio in particular is full of prodigious talent and keeping them could actually work out better for the club in the long run as they mature and prove their worth.

As has been shown in the case of Diego Costa, Filipe Luís, Arda Turan, Radamel Falcao – and the list goes on – Atlético have been susceptible to caving in and selling their best players in recent years.

However, the transfer ban gives Simeone’s men a watertight reason not to even consider the overtures of the surrounding vultures.

Given the already stellar team spirit in the Vicente Calderón contingent, another 18 months together with no ins or outs will surely strengthen Atleti further, not diminish them.

Verdict

The merits of the Fifa ruling certainly can be questioned and queried, but in the long run Real and Atlético should not use the transfer ban as a reason for any failings on the pitch.

Both sides have world-class players at their disposal and big squads to select from, including a cohort of potentials out on loan, meaning that even without any new faces they will continue to function at the pinnacle of Spanish and European football.

There is too much emphasis on the transfer market in the sport currently and little-to-no patience allocated to players; Real and Atlético may well unlock the best from their existing squads as a result of the transfer ban and the subsequent lack of chopping and changing.

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland living in Broome in Western Australia. I have worked for top media outlets such as FourFourTwo, goal.com, Soccerlens, Football Fancast and Here is the City.
I am a lifelong and long-suffering Tottenham fan. Follow me on Twitter at @90MinsOnline

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